Missing soldiers' fate still unknown

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Three privates of Infantry Battalion 731 are still missing after they attempted to disperse rioters attacking Allang Asaude village in West Seram subdistrict, Central Maluku regency, at dawn last Saturday.

Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Mustopo admitted here on Tuesday that his soldiers were still searching for the three missing privates without taking any repressive action so as not to spark new violence in the region.

Mustopo called on the people in the regency to report to the military command if they knew the whereabouts of the three soldiers. He said the military were able to identify the attackers from specific characteristics of the dead body of one of the rioters.

He also asked those responsible for the soldiers' disappearance to deliver them dead or alive.

Pvt. Imanuel Huluk and one rioter were killed, while one villager was injured and at least 20 houses were burned down during a clash in Allang Asaude village on August 4, 2001.

Meanwhile, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina said that the provincial administration, in cooperation with the military command, had brought security in the area under control. (49)